California Blaze Burning for Week Chars Thousands of Acres

A firefighter near smoke from the Gifford Fire in Los Padres National Forest, California.Photographer: Eric Thayer/Getty Images

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By Brian K Sullivan and Isabela Fleischmann

August 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM UTC

Updated on

August 8, 2025 at 8:51 PM UTC

Four fires in the Los Angeles area have consumed more than 110,000 acres and sent thousands of residents fleeing for their lives as dry conditions and strong winds fan flames.

The Gifford Fire, about 130 miles (210 kilometers) from downtown, started Aug. 1 and has burned 104,402 acres in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. It is 15% contained, according to CalFire, the state fire agency.